Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I am so excited about today’s giveaway! It is a $25.00 gift certificate to EtCetera. I love gift certificates! You just get to go in there and pick exactly what you want! I have blogged about this little shop on Main Street (right across from the Fire Department with twinkly lights) several times and you all know that they carry my artwork. They carry all kinds of really beautiful items from talented people all over town. I stay longer than I had planned every time I go in there! The catch today is that this contest is open to locals only. I apologize to all of the out-of-towners, but there’s just no way for you to spend it unless you are visiting our little town soon. On with the show…

EtCetera is a joint effort between Karen Moore, Paula Hammel, and Melissa Taylor. They wanted a place that could be a venue for trendy, boutique style, handmade goodies. They each had their own crafting projects, but knew that wouldn’t fill a store. They decided to have vendors help with that. In the beginning, they asked a few girls in town that already had a great following of their craft or art. I was honored to be one of them and was in great company with other artisans like TabethaSullens, and Freda Preston.

And then...it HAPPENED! They got their storefront. They gave themselves a deadline and set up at the Autumn Street Fair...and so it took a life of its own. All of a sudden, Karen says, “God sent to us so many crafty unique gals in town I never even knew existed. The work they do is INCREDIBLE! We couldn’t believe the response we were getting”! Now they also have things from Kelly Roberts, Susan Burks, Kandice Patrick, and Kristen Green just to name a few.

So weeks went by, and the store was filled with so many handmade goodies that they had enlarge the show area BEFORE Christmas...something they weren't anticipating until next year. They have about 45 vendors now and can't believe how fast it has taken off.Paula, Melissa, and Karen are all locals. They are big advocates of keeping business in the downtown area. Their newly renovated square is so what McMinnville needed, and they all hope it only gets busier and bigger for all of downtown.

As far as new products are concerned...they really have no idea. They know they will have lots of fresh ideas from local artists and crafters that will have that signature "EtCetera” style. Valentines Day is coming up quickly so Karen says that she wants to have lots of hearts, candy, red, pinks, etc. I happen to know that they currently have lots of snowmen!

Karen says that one of her favorite things about the shop is “meeting the people that are bringing their arts and crafts to us. We have been so blessed with an abundance of new friendships that otherwise would not have happened. My second favorite is when someone comes in the shop for the first time. The expressions on their faces are the looks we intended. Folks are so pleasantly surprised at the contents of the store”. Awww, Karen, that is so sweet!

When you comment today, you are entering for that $25.00 gift certificate to EtCetera. Remember that you do have to be local to enter today. Best of luck to you all!

I wasn't going to enter....but I can't help it. I LOVE ETC...and what it has done for all the local artists such as myself. It is a fabulous store and I am very grateful to have the opportunity for my stuff to be displayed beside that of so many talented ladies of this community. Thanks Karen, Paula, and Melissa.....women empowering women!!!! xoxoxo***BTW- Since I already won~If my name is drawn...you can draw again. I just wanted to express my love and thanks to ETC.

If you are looking for the thoughts and ideas from a creative lady, then you've come to the right place! It's mostly art with some science, school, decorating, travel, fashion, and parenting all mixed in.
To place an order or if you have questions, please email me at brandie_bc1@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!